Is a vibrating steering wheel spoiling your driving experience?

When your car has aged by some years, there
are a few common problems that can rise up and bother you now and again. One
such issue that many drivers face is the vibration of the steering wheel while
driving. So if you are enjoying a drive and suddenly the steering wheel starts
to vibrate, know that the reason can be embedded in a variety of factors
related to the car’s mechanism, both major and minor.

In case you are wondering that while
driving, what does a continuous vibration in the steering indicates, keep
reading as we will discuss the issue in depth through this article. So without
much ado let us start by looking into some of the most common causes of
steering wheel vibration.

While driving, what does a continuous vibration in the steering indicate?

The steering is a major contact point between the driver and the car. In case something is wrong with the car, the first signs will be displayed on the steering wheel. While an occasional vibration or tremble can be disregarded, a regular occurrence of such an issue definitely calls for attention. For more driving lessons Dublin has to offer contact us.

Issues related to tires

Tire problems are a major cause for
vibrations in the steering wheel while driving. Even a slight imbalance in the
alignment of the tires can result in a vibrating steering wheel. This can start
at lower speeds and increase as the speed rises. If you have replaced your
tires, the new tires need to be balanced properly so that the total weight is
evenly distributed among them. Unbalanced tires can result in the further
problems related to the shock absorbers, tread and other suspension or steering
components.

The balance of between the tire and wheel
assembly while rotation can be measured in a tire spin balancer and adjusted as
needed by a mechanic. Once the wheels are properly balanced, make sure that the
four tires have correct amount of inflation and no rough wear. The tires are a
complex structure and any inconsistency in terms of elasticity, strength,
flexibility or dimension can also affect the overall performance of the car,
resulting in vibrations.

Misalignment

If you are driving frequently through rough
roads full of potholes, then misalignment can be a major cause that will cause
the steering to vibrate. Misalignment happens inevitably with time but you can
minimise it by driving within the speed limits set for the car and by not
rushing through rough roads. Upon inspection, you might find the tire being
worn out in the interior while remaining intact on the outer edges. In
addition, if the car pulls in one direction even after the steering wheel is
centred, it can be a case of misalignment. Aligning the car will set the wheels
and axles in one common direction and eliminate the problem of vibration.

Eroded bearings

Damaged or worn out bearings in the wheel
hub can be a cause for the shaky steering wheel. These bearings minimise
friction during wheel rotation and also carries the weight of the car. They
connect the wheel assembly with the main axle assembly and any issues in the
bearing will ultimately affect the drive shaft. This will result in vibrations
in the steering column and can also be accompanied by a noise from the wheel
assembly at times. While cleaning and lubricating the bearings can solve the
issue, in case they are totally damaged, replacement is the only option.

Brake system issues

If the vibrations in the steering and the
brake pedal occur during braking the car, it is related to brake system;
usually to a case of “warped” rotors. This issue can be more pronounced when
the car accelerates, turns or maintains a specific speed for some point. Since
in this case the shaking occurs upon using the brake assembly and can even
result in a burning odour while stopping the car, it is easier to detect and rectify
the issue.

This may be a case of loose connections,
worn brake cushions and shocks or weak brake discs. A proper inspection of the
entire assembly along with necessary replacements and cleaning needs to be done
when such issues are encountered. While inspecting, make sure that the caliper
sliders and pads are checked and they can move freely, thereby eliminating any
brake drag.

Suspension issues

The suspension system is designed to
enhance the comfort of the passengers through an arrangement of pistons, rods
and springs. The assembly takes a daily pounding from damaged roads, pieces of
debris and various other factors and can get damaged with prolonged use,
resulting in steering vibrations. While this issue is not easy to detect and
needs proper observation of the vibration patterns, it can be solved easily
once detected. If one corner of the car is lower than the others while on a
horizontal ground, it can be an issue with a spring. Similarly, there can be
fluid leak from the dampers or squeaking sounds while turning, which indicates
a damaged ball joint.

Handling steering vibrations in an effective manner

There are some ways to handle the steering
wheel vibrations in an effective manner. Being a driver, you may detect certain
issues with observation, but critical issues are best left for professionals to
ensure a quick correction. Here are a few points that you can take note of to effectively
resolve the issue in the best possible manner.

Observe the severity and the
frequency of the shaking by paying close attention when it occurs. This will
help you to find out the root cause of the problem.

If the steering wheel shakes at
high speed and is followed by any burning smell, it is best that you head to a
service centre at the earliest.

As a rule of thumb, while
investigating the reason behind a steering wheel vibration, you can start by
checking the wheels and tires, followed by the alignment check and finally the
suspension system.

If the vibration occurs at a
certain speed, it can be due to the fact that a wheel is bent or a tire is out
of round. A wheel and tire assembly that is out of round will have a specific
harmonic frequency that changes with speed. When a certain speed is reached,
this frequency modulation can overcome the compensation offered by the
suspension and the vibrations can be felt in the steering wheel.

Do not leave a persistent
vibration alone with the hope that it will go away on its own. It will wear out
your tires, cause premature wear on suspension components and will affect your
peace of mind while driving. In addition, repairs not done in time can always
lead to additional repairs and will also affect your driving in a negative
manner.

For addressing complex
problems, it is best to head for the dealers’ service centre or find a mechanic
who can address your specific make and model competently.

To minimise steering vibration
issues, stick to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

These are the major points that will
address your question that while driving, what does a continuous vibration in
the steering indicate? Your car is an assembly of complex mechanical parts
working together and one imbalance can trigger a range of effects that can lead
to noticeable problems. So once the issue has been pinpointed, don’t hesitate
to rectify the problem at the earliest.